A TESTIMONIAL

My blog partners had been updating their well versed and beautiful blogs… I once confessed to a friend, I can’t put a pen on my finger unless the mind works…But after having said it, I’m forcing a pen onto my hand and let’s see how it goes…

These past months I have been hanging out with friends, friends’ of friends, different groups; from twosome to twentyfive-some (if there is a word), having a ride along the country side or in residents - having the time of my life; having a reunion or meeting new people - getting to know ones’ uniqueness, an asset and trademark …. A chance to discover what is behind the veil.

It dawned to me; I had been working my ass off in a school for few years – later to realize I loved teaching. Whenever I was around my students, my class, it felt “Thy Kingdom come” - to be with my angels (though many of them thought they weren’t). Their honesty, purity and sincerity in their eyes when they looked at me… Their eagerness to know more; their giggles when I gave lame jokes; their smile with wide-opened eyes when I say something related to the subject; the content in their eyes when they are able to grasp what I lecture; I can go on and on… I love them!!! ... I go to the class with visual teaching aids if possible, but never with a textbook on my hand… What the heck, I was even named “Good (but strict) Biology teacher”; but little do they realize - they were the ones who motivated and encouraged me to display the portrait. My little angels! If I may announce: I’m always the smallest in the classroom!!!

I can’t, and, will never forget one certain batch (you know who you are). I was blessed being their ‘Guide’ for two years. Rather; allow me to point out: they were the ones who taught me. Their humor, gratitude, kindness, honesty and diligence, which, I thought, had plenty. Once or twice, some mistook me for their Mom and called me as such… I felt humbled. The one batch of students who taught me - the students became the Guide!!! For that, I will evermore remain grateful…

On the other hand, I am also fortunate to fly around India representing my state; attended meetings, seminars, workshops and so on… I felt I was on a surge … accomplishing what I ought to do; be exemplary! One thing I boast to my friends “ My hand is living in the Class VIII to X Science (biology) text book, New syllabus”, till today I have been called to edit, re-edit, make-over, enjoying and savoring every minute. Who gets the chance to participate? Out of hundreds, I have been fortunate!!!

This could’ve been my life!!!

Hardly true….. I quit my job to pursue my dream – Research. Pacing through few dramas along the way but with God leading me, I admitted myself in the University. Again to realize, I am amidst a wonderful supervisor and fabulous lab partners. There is the ‘The three musketeers’ – the lean, the petite and the huge; what an awesome threesome! And then again, friends who intercept but only to pull me out of my errors; and then there are others who help me relax. Adding to the climax, though small, but significant way, I find myself progressing with work, hearing my supervisor congratulating me. I don’t think I can be more blessed!

Yet, for some, I may have been detoured, hindered and rolled to reach what I am today. Few have labeled me - Would you still have the brain for it / a senior citizen doing research now? Com’on! The answer is Yes, Yes and Yes! My brain will work as and how I let it! Senior? Maybe, but might I say, if the heart is young, so is the mind - The mind rules the body. And Yes, I could have pursued my dream few years back - Had I not been a teacher, I would be devoid of my angels and the extraordinary extracurricular activities. I have no regrets, and I have not certainly wasted any years of my life…

Henceforth, sing to you, dear readers “I am so fortunate and blessed!!!” And I implore you dearest, “Take a chance; the road not taken might be a home for you”. And for those who have reached home, be grateful and appreciate every moment, it’s easy to miss what’s underneath the nose, not to mention, in front of the eyes.

And as for this moment, I feel nothing but thankful to God, the Almighty, who had blessed this pathetic petite abundantly; I’m thankful to my backbone – my family; all the people & ‘young adults’ I’ve come across – You're my Unsung heroes!!!... What would I do without you???

(I apologize for the too many “I’s” and “My’s”, after all... it’s a testimonial)